HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1344
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to a window tint exemption for law enforcement vehicles.
Brief Description: Providing a window tint exemption for law enforcement vehicles.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Rodne, Hudgins, Upthegrove and Campbell; by request of Washington State Patrol.
Brief History:
Transportation: 2/13/07, 2/22/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 20 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Dickerson, Eddy, Ericksen, Hailey, Hankins, Hudgins, Lovick, Rodne, Sells, Simpson, Springer, Takko, Wallace and Wood.
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
Background:
Current law restricts film sunscreening or coloring material, also referred to as "window
tinting," that may be applied to the windows of a motor vehicle. Clear film sunscreening
material that reduces or eliminates ultraviolet light may be applied to windshields. Tinting
applied to the windows of motor vehicles, except the windshield, must allow minimum light
transmission of 35 percent, as compared to clear glass. Tinting with a greater degree of light
reduction is permitted on the top six-inch area of a vehicle's windshield, and on all windows
and the top six inches of the windshield for vehicles operated by, or carrying, a person with a
documented physical or medical need for protection from sunlight exposure. A vehicle with
tinted rear or side windows must have left and right outside mirrors that reflect to the driver a
view of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle. All windows behind the driver on
limousines and passenger buses may be darker under certain conditions.
Three types of tinting materials are prohibited: (1) mirror finish products; (2) red, gold,
yellow or black material; and (3) liquid pre-application material. Professional tinting
installers must apply a sticker to the driver's door post indicating that the tinting meets state
requirements.
Operating a motor vehicle equipped with prohibited window tinting is a traffic infraction.
Summary of Bill:
The side and rear windows of law enforcement vehicles are exempt from the minimum light
restriction of 35 percent.
When law enforcement vehicles are sold to private individuals, the film sunscreening or
coloring material must comply with the minimum light restriction of 35 percent or
documentation must be provided to the buyer communicating that the windows must comply
with the minimum of 35 percent before operation of the vehicle.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The exemption is needed for law enforcement protection, for K-9 units to protect
the law enforcement dogs, for protection of personnel working undercover, and persons in
law enforcement custody. Limousines already have an exemption, but law enforcement
vehicles are presently restricted to the standards established for personal vehicles.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Lovick, prime sponsor; and Jeff DeVere, Washington State Patrol.